Tag Archives: Corona

Three Arrested in String of Corona Robberies

Courtesy of Corona Police Department

Corona – On Sept. 21, 2015, the Corona Police Department began investigating a string of robberies which occurred at three different locations within a six-hour time period in the City of Corona.  The robberies occurred at the following locations:

  • USA Gas, 1205 Soth Main Street, Sept 21, 2015 at 9:19 p.m.
  • 7-11 Store, 700 West Sixth Street, Sept. 22, 2015 at 12:58 a.m. and 3 a.m.
  • 7-11 Store, 725 East Grand Blvd,, Sept 22, 2015 at 3:37 a.m.

In each of the robberies, the suspects were described as two males, possibly Hispanic, who concealed their faces and demanded money from the cash register.  As a result of the robberies, the suspects made off with cash, lottery tickets, cigarettes, and also a wallet from a customer at one of the locations.

On Oct. 30, 2015, officers responded to a report of a robbery at USA Gas, 1205 South Main Street, in which one male Hispanic suspect had fled with cash.  The suspect was located hiding at a nearby city park, where he was arrested for the robbery.  The suspect was identified as Axl Garcia, 22-years-old, of Corona.

Corona Police detectives continued to investigate the string of robberies that had occurred in September, and had information that Garcia may have been involved.

On Jan 6, 2016, Corona Police detectives, with the assistance of the Riverside County Post-Release Accountability Team (PACT) and the Riverside County Gang Task Force-Region 8, served a search warrant at Garcia’s Corona residence.  Detectives arrested two additional robbery suspects, Jimmy Olivares, 21-years-old of Corona, and a 16-year-old male.

Olivares was cited and released from the Corona Police Department on a lesser charge and the 16-year-old male juvenile was charged with four counts of robbery and associated gun charges.  Garcia remains in the Riverside County Jail on an unrelated incident and will be charged with additional counts of robbery related to the string of robberies in September within the City of Corona.

91 Project in Corona Prepares for El Niño Weather Conditions

By Eliza Echevarria Perez

CORONA – Construction crews working on the 91 Project in Corona are geared up for the arrival of El Niño storms.

During the first full week of El Niño conditions, the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is increasing its Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) vehicles on the 91 and on Interstate 15 to help stranded motorists.

The specially marked FSP tow trucks roam local freeways, including the 91 Project construction limits in Corona, to assist stalled motorists at no charge by jump-starting batteries, providing fuel and fluids, changing flat tires and performing other minor repairs.

The trucks also can tow vehicles from the 91 and I-15 to CHP-approved locations.

The extra tow trucks will continue as needed later this week and during the 2016 El Niño season, through special funding provided by RCTC for the 91 Project.

Motorists who experience a vehicular breakdown should stay in their vehicle, turn on their hazard lights and wait for the FSP or the California Highway Patrol to summon help.

All tow trucks are white and display the FSP logo. Drivers wear blue uniforms and safety vests with the same logo, have an ID badge on their shirts and are certified by the CHP.

The RCTC has also undertaken a series of activities to help ensure the safety of motorists and crews within the project area:

 

  • The team conducted a detailed review of the construction limits and identified potentially sensitive areas, including those prone to flooding and erosion. Special attention is being paid to these sensitive areas.
  • Erosion control measures, such as the placement of fiber rolls, have been put into place, and crews are routinely checking drainage systems to make sure they are fully functional. Detention basins also have been created to hold excess water.
  • The project team is monitoring weather forecasts and discussing during weekly and daily planning meetings.
  • Construction crews have taken part in training sessions to increase awareness and responsiveness during the rainy season.
  • Motorists are asked to report any problems related to drainage, potholes or flooding within the project limits on the 91 or on Interstate 15 by calling the helpline, 877-770-9191, sending an email to sr91project@rctc.org or using the “Contact Us/Feedback” section of the website, sr91project.info.
  • Motorists should allow extra travel time during rainstorms. Drivers also are reminded that although the speed limit is 55 MPH within the construction area, it is important to adjust travel speeds to match rainy weather conditions, visibility and traffic. In addition, traffic fines are doubled in construction zones.

 

91 Construction Message Sign Hacked

Image courtesy of Nikki Worden

Image courtesy of Nikki Worden

Staff Reports

CORONA – A hacked electronic construction sign on the northbound Interstate 15 had commuters scratching their heads at the unusual message Christmas evening.

The electronic sign, which is located between El Cerrito and Ontario Avenue in Corona, was changed from a construction alert to a political message Dec. 25.

Several commuters posted images and video of the hacked sign on social media. One of the Facebook images shows the sign was changed to read: “Inland Empire Supports Donald Trump. Merry Xmas. Vote Donald Trump.”

The political message was replaced on Dec. 26 when work crews returned to work after the Christmas holiday, according to the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC).

The RCTC issued a press release regarding the vandalism of a changeable message on Monday, Dec. 28.

“Enhanced security measures will be implemented to protect the signs and the project from additional vandalism,” John Standiford, RCTC’s Deputy Executive Director said in the press release.

At this time, California Highway Patrol investigators have no solid leads as to who vandalized the sign.

91 Grand Boulevard Ramps to Close Permanently

Courtesy of RCTC 91 Project 91 Freeway Grand Avenue Closure Map

Courtesy of RCTC 91 Project
91 Freeway Grand Avenue Closure Map

Staff Reports

CORONA-As part of the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s 91 Project, the eastbound 91 Grand Boulevard off-ramp and westbound 91 Grand Boulevard on-ramp will close permanently in December. To prepare for these ramp closures, other improvements are scheduled for this area. The following schedule is anticipated, but dates are subject to change (Please see map graphic below):

  • Monday, December 7, 2015: Second Street extension between Lincoln Avenue and W Grand Boulevard to open
  • Monday, December 14, 2015: Restore Lincoln Avenue turn lanes between D Street and the 91
  • Monday, December 14, 2015: Westbound 91 Grand Boulevard on-ramp closes permanently

In preparation for the closure of the westbound 91 Grand Avenue on-ramp, capacity improvements were made to the westbound 91 Main Street on-ramp by adding a third lane.

Also, the extension of Second Street between Lincoln Avenue and W Grand Boulevard will provide motorists an additional east/west route.

Information contained in this Notice is subject to change based on weather, field conditions or other operational factors.

Inland Empire: Street Closure in Corona

By Eliza Echevarria Perez

CORONA – As part of the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s 91 Project in Corona, Buena Vista Avenue at the 91 undercrossing will close from 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20 until Dec. 2 to lower the roadway.

There will be no pedestrian access during this closure. Motorists and pedestrians can use West Grand Boulevard or Lincoln Avenue as alternate routes. Local residential and business access to Buena Vista Avenue will be available from Railroad Street north of the 91 and from Sixth Street south of the 91.

The closure dates were coordinated with the Corona Norco Unified School District. Students are on Thanksgiving vacation for much of this closure time.

The 91 Project is adding regular lanes, tolled express lanes, auxiliary lanes and direct express connectors from the northbound 15 to the westbound 91 and from the eastbound 91 to the southbound 15. Improvements to interchanges, ramps, lanes and surface streets also will be made along the 91 between the Riverside County/Orange County Line in Corona and Pierce Street in Riverside. The new lanes are expected to open in 2017.

For more information, visit sr91project.info or call the helpline at 877-770-9191.

Total Care Heating and Air

TotalCare-Logo-WEB“Building Friendships one home at a time”

Staff Reports

CORONA-Don’t wait until the cold arrives to make sure your heating system is working properly. Let the professionals at Total Care Heating & Air help you get your heating system in tip-top shape before winter so you can stay warm, cozy and safe this heating season.

Total Care Heating & Air is a company with a family tradition dating back to 1940. Customers will have peace of mind knowing that Total Care is in the business of providing honest and high-quality service.

President Tim Burk emphasizes that Total Care Heating & Air is a four-generation family-owned and operated business located in Corona.

“We’re proud to carry on my family legacy” Burk said. “You have my promise that we will continue to demonstrate the highest levels of honesty, integrity and customer satisfaction in everything we do.”

Right now, Total Care is offering customers a Furnace Safety Check and Tune Up for only $59 –regularly $139 – until Dec. 31, 2015.

This cold weather season is also a great time to check your vent covers? A dirty filter causes your furnace to have to work like a beast eating up fuel and money. Having your furnace cleaned and inspected by an experienced Total Care Heating & Air professional before the start of the season can ensure that your unit is running efficiently, and will catch any potential problems while they are still easy and affordable to fix.

“Let us help you tackle the “beast” living in your home,” Burk brother and Vice President Eric Felty encourages homeowners. “Nine out of 10 system failures are caused by dirt and dust. We can help clean your system and help you save on your monthly heating bills.”

Contact Total Care Heating & Air to learn about their duct cleaning service and how they can help lower your monthly heating and cooling bills. Check out their $99-off coupon for duct cleaning featured on page 15 of the Eastvale News.

Schedule a fall maintenance call. Ask about their lifetime electrostatic filters, ultra-violet lights and air scrubbers. Total Care also offers special discounts for military, law enforcement and first responders.

With convenient service across the Inland Empire and Orange County, Total Care Heating & Air provides prompt and courteous service 6 days, a week and emergency service on Sundays. They have extensive experience and knowledge to CARE for all your heating, air conditioning and plumbing needs, and have worked on every make and model in the market. With over 29 years in this business, there is no job too small or big.

Whether it is a new installation or repairing existing equipment “You Called the Right AC Guys”. Call today for an estimate! They know your time is very valuable, and that is why they try very hard to keep it simple for you. They are TOTALLY affordable and efficient. Call, 951-808-8804, or visit them on the web at www.TotalCareHvac.com. See their ad on page 15 of the Eastvale News.

Former Corona Teacher Arrested in Sex Crimes with Students

Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department

Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department
Anthony Joshua Perez

Staff Reports

CORONA – Former Lee V. Pollard High School teacher was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 17, on charges that he had a four-month sexual relationship with a minor student, officials said.

Anthony Joshua Perez, 28, of Corona was arrested by Corona police officers for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and possession of child pornography.
Corona detectives determined that Perez engaged in a dating relationship with a minor student while teaching at Lee V. Pollard High School. Detectives determined that Perez and the minor had an ongoing inappropriate sexual relationship between December 2010 and April 2011.

In March 2015, Fontana Police Department notified the Corona Police Department regarding a child annoyance investigation involving Perez.

Fontana detectives discovered evidence that revealed Perez was engaging in inappropriate sexual acts with at least two minors in Corona, according to the Corona Police Department report.
Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to please call Senior Detective Gail Gottfried at 951-817-5873.

Corona PD Seeks Help Finding Stolen Toy Hauler

City of Corona

CORONA – On Sunday, Oct. 25, at about 5:15 a.m. a 32-foot Weekend Warrior trailer with California license plate number 1LL3041 (model FS3200) was stolen from the area of E. Sixth Street and El Sobrante. The trailer was kept in a secured area behind a business. The trailer was used for a child’s go-kart racing program, and stored a go-kart and all the equipment necessary to race. The trailer is missing the cover for the propane tanks and has black “plasti-dripped” wheels.
The Corona Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify the suspect(s) and the suspect’s vehicle. The pictures below are of the suspect’s truck pulling the stolen trailer at E. Sixth St. and Rimpau Avenue. The truck is believed to be a late 1990’s to early 2000’s model Chevy truck with collision damage on the driver’s side. The truck and trailer were last seen heading west on Quarry Street.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Corona Police Department at 951-736-2330 option 3.

Trailer 1

Photo courtesy: City of Corona

trailer 4

Photo courtesy: City of Corona

Trailer 2

Photo courtesy: City of Corona

Corona: Nightly Closures For E. Grand Blvd.

Courtesy of RCTC

CORONA-The contractor for the 91 Project in Corona began removal of the newly constructed bridge deck over East Grand Boulevard On Oct. 28. The future 91 eastbound bridge may have sustained damage during a bridge lowering operation that injured nine workers on Oct. 9. Atkinson/Walsh Joint Venture (AWJV) has decided to remove the bridge deck and rebuild the bridge to ensure its long-term durability after opening to traffic. Full closures on East Grand Boulevard between Third Street and Joy Street will be required for bridge removal and false work placement from Monday, Nov. 2 to Sunday, Nov. 8, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night. Motorists should expect intermittent nightly closures during the next four weeks as crews replace the bridge deck and work on additional bridges over Grand Boulevard. The contractor will use a “build in place” method to rebuild the bridge deck, rather than the bridge lowering construction that was previously used. This will require reduced clearance under the bridge during construction, and high-profile trucks will not be able to travel under the bridge.
The cost of the demolition and reconstruction will not be borne by taxpayers and the additional work will not cause a delay to the overall 91 Project, which is expected to be completed in 2017.
“This is a wise and prudent decision by the contractor to rebuild the bridge. While it’s in a safe condition now, we need to ensure the long-term durability of the bridge, and the confidence and support of the public,” said Anne Mayer, Executive Director of the Riverside County Transportation Commission.
Of the nine workers hospitalized that night, five have been released. The cause of the accident is currently the subject of three independent investigations including Cal OSHA, Caltrans and KCE Structural Engineers.
Donations are currently being accepted for six of the injured workers, who have signed up for Workers Assistance Funds with the California Transportation Foundation at http://www.transportationfoundation.org/donate.

Arrests in False Bomb Threats at Two Corona High Schools

Staff Reports

CORONA – Corona Police have arrested a 17-year-old Lee V. Pollard High School student on suspicion of making two false bomb threats.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, shortly after 12:07 p.m., the Corona teen called Pollard High School stating there was a bomb on campus. Shortly after the first call, the minor placed a second call stating the bomb would go off in five minutes.

The next day, Oct. 21, at about 2:40 p.m., the same teen placed a call to Corona High School stating that a bombs were placed at all exits and would go off when the final school bell rang.

In both incidents, high school resource officers and school personnel conducted a thorough search of the campus and were unable to locate any explosive devices.
“The Corona Police Department will continue to investigate bomb threats to their fullest extent, as these types of incidents instill fear in students, their parents, faculty, and our community,” said Public Information Officer Sergeant Paul Mercado. “These types of investigations draw significant amounts of public safety resources away from legitimate purposes. Those found to be engaged in making false bomb threats will be held accountable.”
The teen was arrested and taken to Riverside County Juvenile Hall for making false bomb threats and criminal terrorist threats.
The school district will also take disciplinary actions against the student.

“Our district will not tolerate this type of behavior,” said Michael G. Cobarrubias, Associate Superintendent Corona-Norco USD.

Corona: Baseball Player Arrested for Homicides

Local man arrested

Photo Courtesy: Corona PD Murder Suspect, Brandon Willie Martin, 22

Photo Courtesy: Corona PD
Murder Suspect, Brandon Willie Martin, 22

Staff Reports

Corona – On Thurs., Sept. 17, at approximately 6:35 p.m., the Corona Police Department responded to the 1000 block of Winthrop Dr. in Corona in response to a report of a male not breathing. Upon arrival, Officers located three male victims at the location. Michael Martin, 64, of Corona, and Barry Swanson, 62, of Riverside, were pronounced deceased at the residence. Ricky Lee Anderson, 51, of Corona, was found with life threatening injuries and taken to an area hospital.  Anderson succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 19.

According to the Corona Police Department, on Fri., Sept. 18, Officers located a truck that was seen at the crime scene the night before.  After a short vehicle pursuit, the suspect, Brandon Willie Martin, 22, of Corona, ran from the truck and hid himself in the backyard of a house in the 800 block of Derby St. in Corona.  He was apprehended with the use of a Police K-9 Team.  Brandon – the son of Michael Martin and the nephew of Anderson – was arrested for the homicides.
It is reported that Brandon – who was the 38th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft (BaseballAmerica.com) – was taken by authorities to a mental health facility in Riverside after he made threats against his family on Sept. 15.  Swanson – a subcontractor for ADT Security – was allegedly at the residence on Winthrop Dr. at the time of the murders to install a security system because of the threats.

It was reported by Police Sgt. Brent Nelson, that Brandon was released from the mental health facility on the day of the murders.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Sr. Detective Gottfried at the Corona Police Department Hotline: (951) 817-5837.

Capital Countertops, Inc.

“Home is where our story begins.”  – Anonymous

Capital Countertops, Inc. is located at 670 E. Parkridge Ave., Suite 109, in the city of Corona. To see their collection of cabinets, floors, counters, and more, come see their showroom, or visit their website at www.capitalcounters.com. They can be reached at (951) 602-5777.

Capital Countertops, Inc. is located at 670 E. Parkridge Ave., Suite 109, in the city of Corona. To see their collection of cabinets, floors, counters, and more, come see their showroom, or visit their website at http://www.capitalcounters.com. They can be reached at (951) 602-5777.

By Claire Lewis

Corona – There is an anonymous saying:  “Home is where our story begins.”  When guests walk into your home, what does your story say to them?

If you are interested in changing the backdrop of your story, look no further than Capital Countertops, Inc.  Capital Countertops says that their own story started out just like many other businesses.  They wanted to offer people affordable, professional and high-quality products and services, without all the hassles that homeowners often face when trying to renovate their homes.  They saw an opportunity, and went forward.  With a little bit of capital and a lot of experience, Capital Countertops opened a showroom, and has been dedicated to providing clients with valuable guidance and expertise in home kitchen and bath remodeling ever since.

Finding the best solutions within budgets and providing excellent products and service continues to be the foremost objective for Capital.  They offer one of the Inland Empire’s finest collections of kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and some of the most beautiful countertops you’ve ever imagined.  They even offer a variety of flooring options, with laminates starting at just $1.39 per square foot.  If you don’t find what you’re looking for, Capital will find a solution with a special order.

Bring your story to life with Capital Countertops.  From sleek to cozy, and everything in between, they can help transform your kitchen and baths into a look that reflects your lifestyle.  They’ll even throw in the kitchen sink.

Capital Countertops is located at 670 E. Parkridge Ave., Suite 109, in the city of Corona.  Their showroom hours are Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Stop by the showroom, or call them at (951) 602-5777 to schedule a free estimate.  And see their ad on Page 10.

 

 

Corona Bar Stabbing Homicide

Photo Courtesy: Corona PD Jesus Gonzalez Gutierrez


Photo Courtesy: Corona PD
Jesus Gonzalez Gutierrez

Staff Reports

Corona – On Sun., Aug. 9, Corona Police Officers were called to Rack’s Billiards & Bourbon – located on 6th Street in Corona – regarding a stabbing incident.

According to the Corona Police Department, the suspect – Jesus Gonzalez Gutierrez, 24, of Corona – had been a patron of the sports bar that evening.  At one point he left the establishment, and later returned, stabbing two people.  A witness reportedly chased Gutierrez away from the scene, and police were called in at approximately 11:23 p.m.

With assistance from Riverside Police Helicopter-Air1 and a Corona Police K-9, Gutierrez was located hiding in dense brush and taken into custody without incident near Promenade Ave. and Melissa Ct.  He was booked into the Riverside County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail.

On scene, Officers found two victims.  The survivor – Alec Arellano – reportedly described his assailant as a complete stranger who randomly stabbed him in the chest (he was transported to a local hospital).  The deceased – who was found outside in the parking lot – was later identified as John Fuller, III, 67, of San Fernando Valley.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Sr. Detective Dan Bloomfield at (951) 817-5767.

Corona Animal Shelter Moving

Help “Clear the Shelter” before the move

 

Photo Courtesy: Innercirclecorona.com

Photo Courtesy: Innercirclecorona.com

Staff Reports

Corona – The Corona Police Department is proud to announce the “soon to be” opening of the NEW Animal Shelter in the City of Corona. This new facility will be located at 1330 Magnolia Avenue, and will offer a larger amount of space, shelter, and kennels that are needed to better support the growing City.
This shelter will provide an increase in the overall total of dog kennels – including the number of public-view kennels – and it will also provide true isolation kennels for sick dogs and segregated secure kennels for aggressive dogs.

The new site will greatly increase security and improve the kennel layout, as it is designed to reduce noise and stress for impounded dogs, and have a larger space for an indoor cattery for feral cats. Inside, the new facility will have a much larger lobby to improve foot-traffic flow and eliminate crowding. In addition to these benefits, ease of access will be greatly enhanced as it is located near the Magnolia off-ramp of the I-15 freeway.
The City is excited about the new animal shelter, as this location will bring many benefits to the growing community.  They will begin operations at the new shelter on Aug. 24, with a formal “Grand Opening” scheduled for Sat., Sept. 12.  More information will soon be available regarding the grand opening festivities and schedule of events.
In preparation for the move, the shelter will be participating in a very special adoption event. Sat., Aug. 15 is “Clear the Shelters Day,” a national event sponsored by NBC Television. By adopting one of the great shelter pets at the current facility (located at 608 Harrington St.), you can help “Clear the Shelter.” They are also extending this one-day event and making it a week-long event through Sat., Aug. 22. Furry friends will have their bags packed, ready to move in with their new families.
Additionally, with the move to the new, larger facility, the Corona Animal Shelter will be expanding their Animal Services Volunteer Program. They are looking for people who are interested in volunteering their time in positions such as Adoption Support and Socialization Volunteer, Reception and Phone Support Volunteer, Maintenance Volunteer, Clerical Volunteer, and Rescue Coordinator. Visit www.discovercorona.com, and click on City Departments/ Police Department/Volunteers for information on how to apply and become a member of this committed team.

Inland Empire: CNUSD Receives National School Safety Honor

Staff Reports

Corona/Norco – The Corona-Norco Unified School District’s Project Safety Net Program has been selected to receive the 2015 Exemplary School Safety Initiative Award by the School Safety Advocacy Council, a recognized leader in school safety based services and training. CNUSD will be honored at the National School Safety Conference on July 27, in Las Vegas, NV.

The Exemplary School Safety Initiative Award honors Districts nation-wide that have implemented programs that have had a significant impact in school safety and the community. The Project Safety Net Program serves over 53,000 students and their families in the District.

Under the outstanding leadership of Associate Superintendent of Instructional Support, Michael Cobarrubias, Project Safety Net was implemented in the summer of 2013 to ensure that each and every member of the school community experiences a safe and caring educational environment.

The overarching goal of Project Safety Net is to identify and anticipate safety concerns and systematically address each concern through the application of best practices. A key component to the success of the program is the development of innovative partnerships between the District and the Corona Police Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, students, parents and community organizations.

School safety is of paramount importance to CNUSD, and this accolade confirms the District’s ongoing commitment to keeping its campuses safe.

Corona Bank Robber Gets Prison

Driver and accomplice gets State Prison sentence

Photo Courtesy: Corona PD Patricia Cheree Smith, 26

Photo Courtesy: Corona PD
Patricia Cheree Smith, 26

By Claire Lewis

Riverside  – On Feb. 4, Paul Alfred Eugene Johnson, 59, and Patricia Cheree Smith, 26, both of Hemet, robbed the Pacific Premier Bank located at 102 E. Sixth Street in Corona.  Johnson threatened bank employees at gunpoint, and fled the scene with a large sum of money in a vehicle driven by Smith.

According to the Corona Police Department, Officers quickly intervened and located the vehicle, and a chase ensued into the city of Chino.  As Officers attempted a high risk enforcement stop, the vehicle stopped briefly nearly San Antonio and Bickmore avenues and the driver emerged.  That’s when things went from bad to worse.

The pursuit then continued with Johnson at the wheel.  He led Police to the 71 Freeway where he crashed off the side of the expressway.  As he exited the vehicle, he was struck multiple times by Police gunfire.  Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.

As Smith exited the vehicle in Chino, she was immediately contacted by Police where she declared she was the victim of a hijacking at the scene of the robbery by a man with a gun.  Further investigation by Corona Police Detectives revealed that Smith was an accomplice in the bank robbery.

On May 18, Smith appeared in Riverside Superior Court.  She pleaded guilty on three counts of armed robbery.  With three strikes, Smith was sentenced to State Prison.

CPD Places 3rd @ B2V

Staff Reports

Corona – On the weekend of March 28 – 29, the Corona Police Department participated in the 31st Annual Challenge Cup Relay Race, which started in Baker, California, and ended in Las Vegas, Nevada.
After 120 miles of pavement, running all day and all night, the official results are in. Out of 265 teams, the Corona Police Department placed 74th overall and 3rd overall in the 500 Invitational Division, which was the best finish in CPD history. The official finishing team time was 16:33:33, which was an approximate 8:15 per mile pace.
This collaborative team effort would not have been possible if it was not for the hard work by all the runners and support personnel, but more importantly, the staff left back to keep the City in full operation.
Congratulations Team Corona!

 

Local Eastvale Boy Crowned Prince

“Corona-Norco Day of the Child”

Photo Courtesy: Eastvale News Photo Caption: (L to R) Rebecca Fransen, Jennifer and Nicholas Madrigal and Chris Gutman

Photo Courtesy: Eastvale News
Photo Caption: (L to R) Rebecca Fransen, Jennifer and Nicholas Madrigal and Chris Gutman

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Since 1992, local volunteers have been putting on an annual event called the “Corona-Norco Day of the Child.”  This is a free event for children and their families, along with over 80 local organizations that gather together to provide information on family resources throughout the Corona, Norco and Eastvale communities.   This year, the event was held at the Corona City Park.

Each year a special Prince and Princess are selected. These lucky children are nominated by their teachers and aides, and selected because they have truly proven themselves to be inspirations to their classmates, friends, families and teachers. These kids refuse to let their physical disabilities deter them from being active in their schools and communities.

This year’s Prince was Eastvale’s own Nicholas Madrigal, who attends Washington Elementary in Norco. Nicholas is 11- years old and has attended many of the schools in the Corona-Norco and Eastvale area; he has lived in Eastvale for his entire life.

Nicholas is deaf and autistic – along with a few other issues – however, he has an infectious smile and an unbelievable joy and thirst for learning. He has had the same aide, Chris Gutman, since pre-school, and he is currently in the class of Mrs. Rebecca Fransen.

Nicholas accepted the “coronation” award with Chris, Mrs. Fransen, and his mom and two older brothers watching.

A special thanks to all the volunteers, the Corona Fire Department, and especially to the Prince/Princess Coordinator, Dottie Richards. For more information on this event, check out their website at www.coronanorcodayofthechild.org

A New Found Freedom

Photo Courtesy: Our Found Freedom

Photo Courtesy: Our Found Freedom

By Amanda Casiano

Corona – In early November 2013, my husband, George Casiano, Jr., was diagnosed with stage III Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – just a few months after our wedding.

George underwent chemotherapy treatment every two weeks for six months.  His last treatment was on Good Friday, Apr. 18, 2014, and he has been blessedly cancer free for one year.

George participated in the Relay for Life for the first time when his band, The Pulse, played there.  The following year, he was able to participate as a cancer survivor, walking the Survivor Lap.

When George was first diagnosed, he wrote a song called, “I want to understand,” to help come to terms with what he was going through.  At the 2014 Relay for Life, the band played that song, and George was able to speak about his journey.

At this year’s Relay for Life, George will once again share the story of his fight against cancer in an effort to give hope to others.  The band – now called “Our Found Freedom” – will perform at the event.

Our Found Freedom has seen many changes over the last seven  years.  They recently changed their name to reflect their mission of the true freedom that is found in Christ.  The alternative Christian rock band desires to spread the love of Christ, share the word of God, and be an encouragement to people.

Come and join Our Found Freedom at the Corona Relay for Life, on Sat., May 16, at Santana Park (598 Santana Way, Corona 92881) at 5 p.m.  You can also listen to the band at Facebook.com/OurFoundFreedom, or Soundcloud.com/OurFoundFreedom.

 

Corona: A Trio of Troubles for Corona

New-Web-Banner-12-2013_edited-1

Staff Reports

Corona – A sad trio of events has taken place in the City of Corona recently.

A woman was sexually assaulted after being kidnapped from the Corona Wal-Mart (479 N. McKinley Avenue) at knifepoint at about 9pm on Thurs., April 3. The man was reportedly asking for change when he entered her vehicle, threatened her with a knife and made her drive to a secluded area. After the assault, he then allegedly made her drive to an intersection in proximity to La Sierra and Indiana Avenues, where he fled on foot about 4 a.m.

The victim did not report the crime until Sunday evening, police Sgt. Kim Velasquez said via written statement. The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, about 5’ 7”, slender build. He was wearing jeans, a grey sweatshirt, and black ball cap. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Detective Mario Hernandez at (951) 279-3659.

On Friday, April 4, a live bomb was discovered at Jameson Park (located at 1155 Valencia Road). According to Corona Police official, Sgt. Kim Velasco, a bomb squad was able to completely disarm and destroy the device without incident by use of a blast squad and robot.

An individual reportedly contacted police after discovering a suspicious device inside an irrigation control box around 10 a.m. No arrests have been made. This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Corona Police Department at 951-736-2334

 

Corona police had a grim find in an apartment complex dumpster in the 2200 block of Treemont Place when a newborn baby girl was discovered. They were led to this realization by a 24-year old woman, who was admitted to Kaiser Hospital in Riverside on Tues., April 8, a little after 5 p.m.

 

The woman allegedly denied giving birth after her examination, but eventually confessed to delivering a stillborn infant at home. Police officials reportedly found the infant around midnight. Autopsy results are pending.